Donkupar Roy appointed Meghalaya CM

Ending a week-long political turmoil in Meghalaya, Congress-led DD Lapang Ministry on Wednesday resigned ahead of the trust vote in the assembly after failing to muster majority and rival UDP leader Donkupar Roy was appointed the new Chief Minister.

Roy, who met Governor SS Sidhu along with other MLAs of the Meghalaya Progressive Alliance, which is headed by NCP leader PA Sangma, was handed over the letter appointing him to lead the new government, Raj Bhavan sources said. He will be sworn in at 6:30 pm at the Governor's house.

MPA spokesman and Khnam MLA Paul Lyngdoh said along with Roy, a batch of five to six ministers are expected to take oath.

Earlier, capping speculation, Lapang, who was heading the minority Meghalaya United Alliance, resigned, half an hour ahead of the floor test he was to face in the assembly on the directions of the Governor.

Speaking to reporters after a Congress Legislature Party meeting, Lapang, who had the support of 28 members including two independents, said "Congress could not garner requisite support. So the CLP decided that I should resign". Thereafter, he went to the Governor and submitted his resignation.

Lyngdoh said the other new ministers would be sworn in on Thursday after the election of the Speaker.

Sangma, the architect of the MPA, said the alliance members would meet before the swearing in to finalize other formalities and details.

He also indicated that the ministerial berths have been finalized, but refused to disclose them.

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One more non-Manipuri worker shot dead, toll rises to 15

The attack on migrant labourers in Manipur continued on Wednesday with unidentified militants gunning down a worker in their drive against non-Manipuris in the state even as indefinite night curfew was imposed in all the four valley districts.

Fifteen workers have been shot dead so far since Monday night.

The militants on Wednesday drove up and shot dead the non-Manipuri labourer at Kumbi market area, 50 km from here, where he was working, official sources said.

The militants escaped before the police arrived.

Seven non-Manipuris were gunned down by militants on Monday night in Imphal west district and another seven in Imphal East and Thoubal districts yesterday. Papers saying 'go back to your state' were attached to some victims.

Meanwhile, the administration has imposed indefinite night curfew from 6 pm to 5 in Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishenpur districts.

Describing the killings as "uncivilised, brutal and acts of cowardice", Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh told the Manipur assembly that there would be round-the-clock vigil at 42 checkposts in Imphal and surrounding areas to prevent the movement of militants.

Participating in a short discussion, he said steps would be taken to book the culprits and there would be "no negotiation" with them. Singh also blamed human rights groups for maintaining silence on the issue.

Meanwhile, relief camps were opened in Thoubal district to shelter 600 migrant labourers.

Instructions have also been given to authorities in other districts to open camps if necessary, the sources said.

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